Optical signal transmission device with magnetic interface coupling

ABSTRACT

An electrical device, such as a camera controller includes a connector having a first magnetic element and a first cam surface. An electrical housing includes a housing panel having an outer surface configured to receive the connector. A target element is disposed within the electrical housing. The target element includes a second magnetic element. The outer surface includes a second cam surface configured to engage the first cam surface and translate a rotation of the connector into an axial displacement of the connector. In one aspect, a target positioning member is configured to position the target element into the first position when the connector is removed from the outer surface. The targeting positioning member is further configured to position the target element into the second position when the first cam surface engages the second cam surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/368,517,filed Jul. 6, 2021, the entire disclosure of which are incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of electricaldevices with a magnetically attached connector and more particularly toa camera controller with a magnetically attached connector.

BACKGROUND

An exemplary electrical device, such as a camera controller, includes aninterface configured to attached to a connector. The connector may becoupled to a device, such as a medical imaging system and transmitssignals to and from the camera controller. The camera controllerincludes electrical components configured to process the signals toprovide an output such as a video image.

Currently, the connectors are attached to the electrical device usingmechanical means, to include male and female terminal blades, a USBconnection or magnetic coupling. The connector may be inserted into arecessed receptacle of the electrical device. To ensure that theattachment of the connector to the housing panel can withstand anincidental load which may disconnect the connector from the housingpanel, a minimum of 5-10 lbs. of pullout force is often needed to removethe connector from the device. As such, detaching the connector mayrequire significant strength. Incidental side loads may be countered bythe interaction of the connector with the recessed receptacle.

Metallic terminal blades and plastic or rubber connectors wear down overtime and become less effective at providing both good electricalconnections and sufficient resistance to axial and side load pull-outforces. Accordingly, it remains desirable to have an electrical deviceconfigured to facilitate the purposeful detachment of the connector fromthe electrical device. Further, it is desirable to have an electricaldevice configured to attach a connector for power and data transmissionwhile isolating the connector and an associated medical device frompotential electrical hazards due to unexpected surges from theelectrical device.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides an electrical device fortransmitting, receiving and processing signals. The electrical deviceincludes electrical components for receiving, transmitting andprocessing the signals. The electrical device includes a connectorhaving a first magnetic element and a first engagement surface. Thefirst engagement surface includes a first cam surface. The electricaldevice further includes an electrical housing configured to hold theelectrical components. The electrical housing includes a housing panel.The housing panel includes an outer surface configured to receive theconnector and an inner surface facing an interior of the electricalhousing. The outer surface includes a second cam surface configured toengage the first engagement surface and the first cam surface.

A target element is disposed within the electrical housing. The targetelement includes a second magnetic element, wherein the first camsurface and the second cam surface are configured to translate arotation between the first cam surface and the second cam surface intoan axial displacement of the connector with respect to the housingpanel.

In one aspect, the electrical housing further includes a targetpositioning member. The target positioning member is configured toposition the target element into the first position when the connectoris removed from the outer surface. The targeting positioning member isfurther configured to position the target element into the secondposition when the first cam surface engages the second cam surface.

In one aspect, the electrical housing further includes a first mount.The targeting positioning member couples the first mount to the secondmagnet. The targeting positioning member is configured to dampen themovement of the second magnetic element towards the first magneticelement. The target positioning member may be a damping device.

In one aspect, the damping is a pneumatic piston having a dampingcompression value that is lower than a damping rebound value. In yetanother aspect, the target positioning member is a biasing member.

The electrical device may further include a retaining mechanismmechanically. The retaining mechanism is coupled to the second magneticelement and is configured to releasably hold the second magnetic elementin the first position.

In another aspect, the electrical device further includes an actuatorconfigured to actuate the retaining mechanism between a release positionand an engaged position.

In another aspect, the electrical device further includes a receiverconfigured to receive a command signal, wherein the actuator processesthe command signal so as to actuate the retaining mechanism. In such anaspect, the connector may include a wireless transmitter configured totransmit the command signal. The wireless transmitter may be aRadio-Frequency Identification (RFID) transmitter. The actuator may beconfigured to process a strength of the command signal to actuate theretaining mechanism into the release position and the engage position.

A camera controller is also provided. The camera controller isconfigured to transmit, receive and process signals to perform videoimage processing. The camera controller includes electrical componentsfor receiving, transmitting and processing the signals. The cameracontroller includes a connector having a first magnetic element and afirst engagement surface. The first engagement surface includes a firstcam surface. The camera controller includes an electrical housingconfigured to hold the electrical components. The electrical housingincludes a housing panel. The housing panel includes an outer surfaceand an inner surface. The outer surface is configured to receive theconnector. The inner surface faces an interior of the electricalhousing. The outer surface includes a second cam surface. The second camsurface is configured to engage the first engagement surface and thefirst cam surface.

The camera controller includes a target element disposed within theelectrical housing. The target element includes a second magneticelement. The second magnetic element is movable from a first position toa second position. In the first position, the second magnetic element isfurther from the inner surface relative to the second position. In thesecond position, the second magnetic element is closer to the innersurface relative to the first position. The first cam surface and thesecond cam surface are configured to translate a rotation between thefirst cam surface and the second cam surface into an axial displacementof the connector with respect to the housing panel.

In one aspect, the camera controller further includes a targetpositioning member configured to position the target element into thefirst position when the connector is removed from the outer surface andthat positions the target element into the second position when thefirst cam surface engages the second cam surface.

In one aspect, the target positioning member is a pneumatic pistonhaving a damping compression value that is lower than a damping reboundvalue. In another aspect, the target positioning member is a biasingmember.

In yet another aspect, the camera controller further includes aretaining mechanism mechanically coupled to the second magnetic elementand configured to releasably hold the second magnetic element in thefirst position.

In another aspect, the camera controller further includes an actuatorconfigured to actuate the retaining mechanism between a release positionand an engaged position.

In another aspect, the camera controller further includes a receiverconfigured to receive a command signal. The actuator processes thecommand signal so as to actuate the retaining mechanism. In such anaspect, the connector may include a wireless transmitter configured totransmit the command signal. In one aspect of a wireless transmitter,the wireless transmitter is an RFID transmitter. The actuator mayprocess a strength of the command signal to actuate the retainingmechanism into the release position and the engage position.

In one aspect, the first cam surface is an indent and the second camsurface is a protrusion. The indent of the first cam surface may beconcave and the second cam surface may be convex.

Accordingly, provided herein is an electrical device, such as a cameracontroller configured to reduce a magnetic attraction between first andsecond magnetic elements by a simple rotation. Further, the secondmagnetic element is positioned to be recessed from the housing panelwhen the connector is disengaged, thus minimizing the attractivemagnetic force of the second magnetic element so as to reduce anunwanted attachment of a metallic element to the housing panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplaryin nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by theclaims. The following description of the illustrative embodiments can beunderstood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherelike structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary view of an electrical device according to one ormore aspects described herein;

FIG. 2 a is a cross-sectional view of the electrical device according toa first embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2 b is a view of FIG. 2 a showing the target element is the secondposition;

FIG. 2 c is a view of FIG. 2 b , showing the connector rotated;

FIG. 2 d is a view of FIG. 2 c showing the target plate moving to thefirst position;

FIG. 3 a is a cross-sectional view of the electrical device in accordingto a second embodiment described herein;

FIG. 3 b is a view of FIG. 3 a showing the target element moving to thesecond position;

FIG. 3 c is a view of FIG. 3 b showing the first cam surface engagedwith the second cam surface;

FIG. 3 d is a view of FIG. 3 c showing the target element in the secondposition;

FIG. 3 e is a view of FIG. 3 d showing the connector rotated;

FIG. 4 a is a depiction of a first aspect of the first cam surface andthe second cam surface;

FIG. 4 b is a depiction of a second aspect of the first cam surface andthe second cam surface;

FIG. 4 c is a depiction of a third aspect of the first cam surface andthe second cam surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One aspect of the disclosure provides an electrical device, such as acamera controller, for transmitting, receiving and processing signals.The electrical device includes a connector having a first magneticelement and a first engagement surface. The first engagement surfaceincludes a first cam surface. The electrical device further includes anelectrical housing having a housing panel. The housing panel includes anouter surface configured to receive the connector and an inner surfacefacing an interior of the electrical housing. The outer surface includesa second cam surface configured to engage the first engagement surfaceand the first cam surface.

A target element is disposed within the electrical housing. The targetelement includes a second magnetic element. The second magnetic elementis movable from a first position to a second position. In the firstposition, the second magnetic element is further from the inner surfaceof the housing panel relative to the second position. In the secondposition the second magnet is closer to the inner surface relative tothe first position. The first cam surface and the second cam surface areconfigured to translate a rotation between the first cam surface and thesecond cam surface into an axial displacement of the connector withrespect to the housing panel.

In one aspect, the electrical housing further includes a targetpositioning member. The target positioning member is configured toposition the target element into the first position when the connectoris removed from the outer surface. The targeting positioning member isfurther configured to position the target element into the secondposition when the first cam surface engages the second cam surface.

Accordingly, the electrical device is configured to reduce a magneticattraction between first and second magnetic elements by a simplerotation of the connector. Further, the second magnetic element ispositioned to be recessed from the housing panel when the connector isdisengaged, thus minimizing the attractive magnetic force of the secondmagnetic element so as to reduce an unwanted attachment of a metallicelement to the housing panel.

First Embodiment

With reference now to the Figures, an electrical device 10 fortransmitting, receiving and processing signals is provided. Withreference first to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2 a-2 d a first embodiment of theelectrical device 10 is provided. In one aspect, the electrical device10 is a camera controller 200. The electrical device 10 includes anelectrical housing 12 configured to hold electrical components (notshown) for receiving, transmitting and processing the signals. Theelectrical housing 12 is illustratively shown as being generallycuboidal; however, it should be appreciated that the shape of theelectrical housing 12 may differ from what is shown in the Figureswithout deviating from the scope of the appended claims.

The electrical housing 12 includes a pair of side walls 14, a top wall16, a bottom wall 18, a back wall 20 and a housing panel 22 which formsa front of the electrical housing 12. The side walls 14, top wall 16,back wall 20 and the housing panel 22 are connected so as to define aninterior space 24. The housing panel 22 includes an outer surface 26 andan inner surface 28. The outer surface 26 is exposed and accessible to auser and the inner surface 28 is disposed within the interior space 24of the electrical housing 12. The outer surface 26 of the housing panel22 includes an interface 30 and in some examples, one or more touchbuttons such as a power button 31. The electrical device 10 includesadditional features not shown for processing image and video provided byan imaging device such as an image sensor of a camera system.

The electrical device 10 includes a connector 32. The connector 32 maybe attached to a device such as a camera head or an endoscope with anintegrated image sensor and is configured to transmit signals, such as avideo signal, which are processed by the electrical device 10. Theconnector 32 includes a first magnetic element 34 and a first engagementsurface 36. The first magnetic element 34 is configured to be attractedto a magnetic force. In one aspect, the first magnetic element 34 is amagnet. In another aspect, the first magnetic element 34 is a plate madeof a magnetically attracted material, such as iron. In some examples, aferrous plate may be advantageous over a magnet to reduce the likelihoodof inadvertent attraction to metallic instruments when the connector 32is not connected to the device 10. For example, in an operative setting,there may be other magnetic objects such as hand instruments, carts,lighting, etc. which would be attracted to the magnet of the connector32.

The connector 32 is configured to attach to the housing panel 22. Inparticular, the connector 32 is configured to attach to the interface 30of the housing panel 22. FIG. 1 shows an aspect where the electricaldevice 10 includes a pair of connectors 32 and the housing panel 22includes a pair of interfaces 30. It should be appreciated that thenumber of connectors 32 and interfaces 30 are not limiting to the scopeof the appended claims.

The first engagement surface 36 includes a first cam surface 38. Thefirst engagement surface 36 is substantially planar in areas withexception of the first cam surface 38. Likewise, the outer surface 26 ofthe housing panel 22 includes a second cam surface 40 configured toengage the first engagement surface 36 and the first cam surface 38.Likewise, the outer surface 26 is substantially planar in areas with theexception of the second cam surface 40. The first cam surface 38 and thesecond cam surface 40 are configured to be nested with respect to eachother so as to have the planar surface of the first engagement surface36 and the outer surface 26 adjacent with each other, with approximatelya 0.5 mm-1 mm gap between.

The first cam surface 38 and the second cam surface 40 are nested suchthat rotation of the connector 32 relative to the outer surface 26causes the first cam surface 38 to push against the second cam surface40, translating the rotational movement into an axial displacement ofthe connector 32 with respect to the housing panel 22. Accordingly, itshould be appreciated that in instances where there are multipleconnectors 32 and multiple interfaces 30, the first cam surface 38 ofthe connectors 32 may be different from each other. Likewise, the secondcam surface 40 of the interfaces 30 may be different from each other,but the first cam surface 38 and the second cam surface 40 aredimensioned so as to nest a connector 32 with a corresponding interface30 of the outer surface such that the surface of the connector 32. Suchan embodiment may be desirable when connecting connectors 32 which arecoupled to different electrical devices so ensure that the signals fromthe electrical devices are properly processed.

A target element 42 is disposed within the interior space 24 of theelectrical housing 12. The target element 42 includes a second magneticelement 44. The second magnetic element 44 is configured to generate amagnetic force so as to be attracted to the first magnetic element 34.Accordingly, a rotation of the connector 32 axially displaces the secondmagnetic element 44 from the first magnetic element 34 so as to weakenthe magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element 34 and thesecond magnetic element 44 and facilitate the removal of the connector32.

With reference now to FIGS. 2 a-2 d , the electrical device 10 mayfurther include a target positioning member 46. The target positioningmember 46 is disposed within the interior space 24 of the electricalhousing 12. The target positioning member 46 is configured to positionthe target element 42 between a first position and a second position. Inthe first position, the second magnetic element 44 is further from theinner surface 28 of the housing panel 22 relative to the secondposition. In the second position the second magnetic element 44 iscloser to the inner surface 28 relative to the first position. Thetarget positioning member 46 is configured to move the second magneticelement 44 into the first position when the connector 32 is removed fromthe outer surface 26. The target positioning member 46 is furtherconfigured to allow the target element 42 to move into the secondposition when the first cam surface 38 engages the second cam surface40.

The target positioning member 46 may be a mechanical device that doesnot require electrical power for operation or an electro-mechanicaldevice which is powered by electrical power. For illustrative purposes,the target positioning member 46 is shown as being a mechanical device;however, it should be appreciated that the target positioning member 46may be an electro-mechanical device, such as a servo-motor actuating aworm gear. Any target positioning member 46 currently known or laterdeveloped may be modified for use herein.

In one aspect, the electrical housing 12 further includes a first mount48. The first mount 48 is illustratively shown as being a planar andrigid member fixedly mounted to the bottom wall 18 of the electricalhousing 12. The first mount 48 may be formed of a rigid and durablematerial that is not magnetic, such as polymer, ceramic or the like. Thetarget positioning member 46 is configured to elastically couple thefirst mount 48 to the second magnetic element 44. Although a mount 48 isshown, any structure suitable for coupling features within the interiorspace 24 of the housing 12 may be used to couple the target positioningmember 46 to the housing 12 or other features therein. The targetpositioning member 46 is configured to dampen the movement of the secondmagnetic element 44 towards the first magnetic element 34 and return thesecond magnetic element 44 to the first position when the connector 32is removed.

In one aspect, the target positioning member 46 may be a damping device50 configured to slow the movement of the second magnetic element 44from the first position to the second position so as to prevent thesecond magnetic element 44 from being damaged. Any damping device 50currently known or later developed may be modified for use herein. Forinstance, the damping device 50 may include a pneumatic piston having adamping compression value that is lower than a damping rebound value. Inthis case, the target positioning member 46 may move the second magneticelement more quickly to the second position than the first position.

In yet another aspect, the target positioning member 46 may include abiasing member 52, such as a coil spring. In yet another aspect, thetarget positioning member 46 includes both the damping device 50 and thebiasing member 52. In such an aspect, the damping device 50 and thebiasing member 52 cooperate to dampen the movement of the secondmagnetic element 44 towards the inner surface 28 as the first magneticelement 34 approaches and engages the device 10. The biasing member 52and the damping device 50 are further configured to return the secondmagnetic element 44 to the first position when the connector 32 isremoved. In this manner, the second magnetic element 44 is preventedfrom rapidly moving towards the housing panel 22 and the likelihood ofinadvertent attraction to other magnetic options is reduced.

An operation of the electrical device 10 according to the firstembodiment is described with respect to FIGS. 2 a-2 d . With referencefirst to FIG. 2 a , the connector 32 is detached from the electricalhousing 12 and the target element 42 is in the first position. Thetarget positioning member 46 is fixed on one end to the first mount 48and the other end of the target positioning member 46 is fixed to thetarget element 42. The connector 32 is displaced far enough from theelectrical housing 12 wherein the magnetic attraction of the targetelement 42 and the connector 32 do not pull the target element 42 andthe connector 32 towards each other. For example, a distance “D” asshown in FIG. 2A, may separate the first engagement surface 36 from theouter surface 26. At this distance, the magnetic attraction isinsufficient to overcome the target positioning member 46 and the targetelement 42 remains separated from the inner surface 28 by a distance“D1”.

As illustrated, in the first position the target positioning member 46is in a relaxed state. In one aspect, the target positioning member 46includes the damping device 50 and the biasing member 52. The dampingdevice 50 is illustratively shown as being a pneumatic piston and thebiasing member 52 is illustratively shown as a coil spring. Thepneumatic piston is disposed within the coil spring. The target element42 is recessed from the inner surface 28 of the housing panel 22.However, it should be appreciated that the targeting positioning member46 may include one or both of the damping device 50 and the biasingmember 52. As the distance “D” decreases, the magnetic attractionincreases and may begin to overcome the target positioning member 46 andthe distance between the target element 42 and the inner surface 28 maybegin to decrease from the distance D1.

With reference now to FIG. 2 b , the connector 32 is engaged with theouter surface 26 of the housing panel 22. In particular, the firstengagement surface 36 is mounted to the interface 30 of the outersurface 26 of the housing panel 22, wherein the first cam surface 38 ofthe connector 32 is seated into the second cam surface 40 of the outersurface 26 of the housing panel 22. For illustrative purposes, the firstcam surface 38 is shown as being a convex shape which generally forms abead and the second cam surface 40 is a concave surface configured toreceive the first cam surface 38 so as to place the first engagementsurface 36 of the connector 32 flush with the outer surface 26 of thehousing panel 22. However, it should be appreciated that the first camsurface 38 may be concave and the second cam surface 40 may be convex.

When the first cam surface 38 is seated within the second cam surface40, the proximity of the first magnetic element 34 with respect to thesecond magnetic element 44 is close enough to magnetically attract thefirst magnetic element 34 and the second magnetic element 44 to eachother. For example, when the connector 32 initially engages the outersurface 26, the magnetic attraction may be a first magnetic levelsufficient to hold the connector 32 in place as the target 42 advancestowards the housing panel 22. The first magnetic level may also besufficient to overcome the target positioning member 46 such that thetarget element 42 begins to move from the first position to the secondposition. As the target element 42 draws closer to the housing panel,the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element 34 and thesecond magnetic element 44 increases and is configured to be strongenough to overcome the extension force of the biasing member 52 and thedamping rebound value of the damping device 50 so as to move the secondmagnetic element 44 from the first position to the second position. Oncein the second position, the magnetic attraction may be a second magneticlevel greater than the first magnetic level.

The second magnetic level includes a magnetic attraction that makes itmore difficult to pull the connector 32 away from the housing panel,particularly in an axial direction perpendicular to the housing panel22. This may be referred to as an axially pull-out force. With referencenow to FIG. 2 c , the connector 32 is shown as being rotated due to anapplied torque. The size of the connector 32 may result in an increaseamount of torque which translates into an increased axially pull-outforce. In such an aspect, the first cam surface 38 engages the secondcam surface 40 so as to displace the connector 32 away from the housingpanel 22. The displacement of the connector 32 from the housing panel22, increases the distance D between the first magnetic element 34 andthe second magnetic element 44 which in turn reduces the magnetic pulland facilitates the eventual complete removal of the connector 32. Inparticular, the displacement of the first magnetic element 34 withrespect to the second magnetic element 44 decreases the pull out force.However, the pull-out force when the first cam surface 38 is engagedwith the second cam surface 40 is larger than the force required totwist the connector 32. Thus, the user may twist the connector 32 butnot necessarily pull the connector 32 away from the interface 30. Thepull-out force decreases exponentially in relationship to thedisplacement of the first magnetic element 34 with respect to the secondmagnetic element 44. As such, the pull-out force when the connector 32is twisted and displaced from the interface 30 by a distance of theheight of the second cam surface decreases exponentially from thepull-out force when the connector 32 is engaged with the interface 30 asshown in FIG. 2B, as such the pull-out force of the connector 32 shownin FIG. 2C is significantly smaller than the pull-out force of theconnector 32 shown in FIG. 2B, making it easier for the user to decouplethe connector 32.

With reference now to FIG. 2 d , the connector 32 is removed from theelectrical housing 12. The connector 32 is displaced such that there isno magnetic pull between the first magnetic element 34 and the secondmagnetic element 44. As such, the target positioning element 46 isconfigured to move the target element 42 to the first position. Inparticular, the biasing member 52 is returned to its natural state,pulling the target element 42 to the first position. The biasing member52 has a return force, a force which is opposite of its expansion force,that is sufficient to bring the damping device 50 to a compressed stateas shown in FIG. 2 a . In the first position, the second magneticelement 44 is recessed with respect to the housing panel 22, and thusits magnetic pull is reduced, and the instance of metallic objects beingattracted to the housing panel 22 is reduced.

Second Embodiment

With reference now to FIGS. 3 a-3 e , a second embodiment of theelectrical device 10 is provided. In one aspect, the electrical device10 is a camera controller 200. In the second embodiment, like elementsare referenced by like numbers increased by 100. As shown in FIGS. 3 a-3e , the electrical device 110 includes the same features as set forth inthe first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the electrical device110 further includes a retaining mechanism 54. The retaining mechanism54 is coupled to the second magnetic element 144. The retainingmechanism 54 is configured to releasably hold the target element 142 inthe first position. Any retaining mechanism 54 currently known or laterdeveloped may by modified for use herein, illustratively including amechanical or electro-mechanical device. For illustrative purposes, theretaining mechanism 54 is shown as being an electro-mechanical devicewhich utilizes electric power to hold and release the target element142. However, it should be appreciated that the retaining mechanism 54may be configured to hold and release the target element 42 usingmechanical levers, a gear worm, a servo motor, or the like.

In one aspect, the retaining mechanism 54 includes an arm 56 that ismounted to a second mount 58. The second mount 58 is formed of a rigidand durable material that is not magnetic, such as polymer, ceramic orthe like. In one aspect, the second mount 58 is fixed to an innersurface of the top wall 116 of the electrical housing 112 and extendsdownwardly into the interior space 124. The second mount 58 is recessedinwardly with respect to the housing panel 122. In particular, thesecond mount 58 is recessed so as to minimize a magnetic pull of thetarget element 142.

In one aspect, the electrical device 110 may further include a stop 60.The stop 60 may be fixed to the bottom wall 118 of the electricalhousing 112 and is positioned so as to prevent the target element 142from moving past the first position, the stop 60 may be positionedforward of the first mount 148 so as to be disposed between the firstmount 148 and the housing panel 122.

In another aspect, the retaining mechanism 54 may further include anactuator 62. The actuator 62 is configured to actuate the retainingmechanism 54 between a release position and an engaged position. Anyactuator 62 currently known and used or later develop may be modifiedfor use herein, illustratively including a servo motor. The actuator 62may be actuated by a command signal which moves the arm 56 between therelease position and the engaged position. In other words, the actuator62 positions the arm 56 so as to release and hold the target element 42.In one aspect, the arm 56 may be extended and retracted so as to assumea respective engaged position and release position. It should beappreciated that the retaining mechanism 54 may be modified withoutdeviating from the scope of the appended claims.

In another aspect, the retaining mechanism 54 further includes areceiver 64 configured to receive a command signal. Preferably, thereceiver 64 is a wireless receiver and is disposed within the interiorspace 124 of the electrical housing 112. The receiver 64 is incommunication with the actuator 62. The actuator 62 processes thecommand signal so as to actuate the retaining mechanism 54.

In such an aspect, the connector 132 may include a wireless transmitter66 configured to transmit the command signal. The wireless transmitter66 may be an RFID transmitter. The RFID transmitter may be configured tocontinuously transmit the command signal. Preferably, the wirelesstransmitter 66 is integrated into the connector 132 and may be disposedon a back surface of the first magnetic element 134, or may be embeddedwithin the first magnetic element 134 as shown in the Figures. Theactuator 62 may be configured to process a strength of the commandsignal to actuate the retaining mechanism 54 into the release positionand the engage position. The strength of the command signal may be basedupon a distance of the connector 132 with respect to the wirelesstransmitter 66.

With reference again to FIGS. 3 a-3 e an operation of the electricaldevice 110 in accordance with the second embodiment is provided. FIG. 3a shows the target element 142 disposed in the first position, whereinthe target element 142 is seated against the stop 60. The retainingmechanism 54 holds the target element 142 in the first position. Forillustrative purposes, the retaining mechanism 54 is shown as anelectro-mechanical system, for example including a servo motor with anarmature. As an example, the arm 56 of the retaining mechanism 54engages the upper edge of the target element 142. In the first position,the target positioning member 146 may be in a neutral state wherein noforces are exerted on the target element 142. Alternatively, the targetpositioning member 146 may be configured to exert an expansion forcewhich urges the target element 142 towards the second position.

With reference now to FIG. 3 b , the connector 132 is brought intocloser proximity to the electrical housing 112 relative to what is shownin FIG. 3 a . The receiver 64 receives a command signal from thetransmitter 66 of the connector 132. The command signal is processed bythe actuator 62 which moves the arm 56 into an open position so as to beclear of the path of travel of the target element 42. It should beappreciated that the actuator 62 may process a strength of the commandsignal. In such a manner, the actuator 62 may not necessarily open thearm 56 upon a detection of the command signal transmitted from thetransmitter 66 coupled to the connector 132, but a location of theconnector 132 which is indicative of an intention to couple theconnector 132 to the interface 130.

As shown in FIG. 3 a , the connector 132 is further away from theelectrical housing 112 relative to FIG. 3 b . For illustrative purposes,it may be assumed that the receiver 64 is within range of thetransmitter 66 to receive the command signal, but the strength of thecommand signal is not sufficient and thus the retaining mechanism 54remains in a closed position. In FIG. 3 b , the connector 132 is broughtcloser to the electrical housing 112, and the strength of the commandsignal is sufficient to cause the actuator 62 to open the arm 56.

FIG. 3 c shows the connector 132 seated to the outer surface 126 of thehousing panel 122. The first cam surface 138 is fully seated within thesecond cam surface 140 and the outer surface 126 of the housing panel122 is flush with the first engagement surface 136 of the connector 132.In the first position, the target element 142 is positioned close enoughto the first magnetic element 134 such that the magnetic pull issufficient to move the target element 142 to the second position. As thearm 56 of the retaining mechanism 54 is moved to the open position, thetarget element 142 is free to move to the second position, as shown inFIG. 3 d . Once in the second position, the arm 56 may be extended toretain the target element 142 in the second position. That is, theretaining mechanism 54 may be employed to retain the second magneticelement 144 in the second position. This may be triggered by initiationof a procedure making use of a device coupled with the connector 130.For example, if a camera is in use, a signal may be transmitted by theconnector 130 to the retaining mechanism 54.

With reference now to FIG. 3 e , the connector 132 is shown rotatedrelative to FIG. 3 d . As such, the force of the magnetic attractionbetween the first magnetic element 134 and the second magnetic element144 is reduced making it easier to pull the connector 132 away from theelectrical housing 12. The actuator 62 may be configured to move arm 56into the close position, as shown in FIG. 3 a when the target element 42is in the first position. In one aspect, the actuator 62 may process anabsence of a command signal to move the arm 56 to the close position.

Embodiments of the First and the Second Cam Surfaces

As stated above, the first cam surface 38 and the second cam surface 40are configured to translate a rotation of the connector 32 into an axialdisplacement wherein the connector 32 is moved away from the housingpanel 22. With reference now to FIGS. 4 a-4 c various aspects of thefirst cam surface 38 and the second cam surface 40 are provided. Itshould be appreciated that the aspects of the first cam surface 38 andthe second cam surface 40 which are described below may be utilized inthe first embodiment and the second embodiment described herein.

With reference first to FIG. 4 a , the first cam surface 38 is shown asbeing a bead 68 and the second cam surface 40 is an indent 70 having ashape which is configured to fully receive the bead. In one aspect, theconnector 32 includes three (3) first cam surfaces 38 and the outersurface 26 of the housing panel 22 includes three (3) second camsurfaces 40. However, it should be appreciated that the connector 32 andthe outer surface 26 of the housing panel 22 may manufactured with asingle first cam surface 38 and a single second cam surface 40.Likewise, the cam profile may be continuous with one or more low/highpoints where each bead 68 and indent 70 is shown. The bead 68 mayinclude a partially spherical profile of a first radius. The indent mayinclude a partially spherical profile of a second radius. The firstradius may be the same as the second radius. The first radius may beless than the second radius. Referring back to FIG. 2 c , as theconnector 32 is rotated, the bead 68 slidingly engages the indent 70.The force required to generate sufficient torque to rotate the connector32 may be less than the force required to pull the connector 32 axiallyfrom the outer surface 26.

With reference now to FIG. 4 b , the first cam surface 38 is shown asbeing a ramp shaped member 72 which is shaped as a triangular pyramid.The second cam surface 40 is an indent 76 that is also ramp shaped so asto be complimentary to the first cam surface 38. As used herein, theterm “complimentary shape” refers to a shape which allows the surfacesof the respective first and second cam surfaces 38, 40 to be generallyflush against each other when pressed together. In such an aspect, theconnector 32 is made to detach from the housing panel 22 by a one-wayrotation which is dictated by the complimentary shapes of the first camsurface 38 and the second cam surface 40 and thus a counter-clockwiserotation will displace the connector 32 from the housing panel 22 but aclockwise rotation is prevented by engagement of a back wall of thetriangular pyramid with the second cam surface 40. Although a triangularpyramid shape is shown, other one-way rotation shapes are contemplated.For example, returning to FIG. 4 a , the bead 68 and indent 70 couldinclude a substantially flat back wall in place of the radiused surface,such as a quarter of a sphere spheroid shape (similar to an orange sliceof one quarter size.)

FIG. 4 c provides an aspect where the first cam surface 38 is a bead 68and a ring 78 concentric to the bead 68. The bead 68 has a heightgreater than a height of the ring 78. The second cam surface 40 is anindent with a complimentary shape. In particular, the second cam surface40 includes a bead shaped indent 80 having a ring shaped indent 82concentric to the bead shaped indent 80. In such an aspect, the strengthof the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element 34 and thesecond magnetic element 44 is reduced in an exponential manner. Forinstance, a rotation of the connector 32 moves the bead 68 of the firstcam surface 38 into the ring shaped indent 82 of the second cam surface40. A further rotation of the connector 32, places the bead 68 of thefirst cam surface 38 onto the outer surface 26 of the housing panel 22,wherein the magnetic attraction between the target element 42 and theconnector 32 is exponentially smaller relative to the magneticattraction when the bead 68 of the first cam surface 38 is engaged withthe ring shaped indent 82 of the second cam surface 40. In thisexemplary embodiment, rotation of the connector 32 relative to thehousing panel 22 may be more limited due to the bead 68 projectinghigher than the ring 78. That is, the bead 68 may provide improvedalignment of additional features of the connector 32 described below.

FIGS. 4 a-4 c depict an aspect where the first cam surface 38 is aprotrusion on the first engagement surface 36 of the connector 32 andthe second cam surface 40 is an indent on the outer surface 26 of thehousing panel 22. However, it should be appreciated that the first camsurface 38 may be formed to be an indent and the second cam surface 40may be formed as a protrusions that is complimentary to the indent.

With reference again to FIG. 1 and also to FIGS. 4A-4C, the connector 32and the interface 30 may be configured to transmit and receive signalswirelessly. For illustrative purposes, a description of such an aspectwill be made in the case of the electrical device 10 being a cameracontroller 200. In such an aspect, the connector 32 is coupled to anendoscope (not shown) having image sensors, such as a complementarymetal oxide semiconductor “CMOS” or a charged coupled device “CCD”. Itshould be appreciated that any pixelated image sensor currently known orlater developed may be modified and adopted for use herein. In oneembodiment, the image sensor is configured to receive electromagneticradiation in the visible spectrum and also in the infrared range betweenabout 800 nanometers to 1200. Signals from the image sensor aretransmitted to the camera controller 200 wirelessly through theconnector 32. Likewise, the camera controller 200 may transmits signalsto the endoscope, such as a command signal for rotating a camera viewand the like, to the endoscope.

The connector 32 includes a first transceiver 84 configured to transmitand receive a wireless signal. The interface 30 includes a secondtransceiver 86. Although not shown in FIG. 2 a-2 e or 3 a-3 e, thesecond transceiver 86 may be disposed within or adjacent to the panel22, 122, or alternately the target plate 44, 144 may include the secondtransceiver 86. For illustrative purposes, the connector 32 is shown ashaving three (3) first transceivers 84 and the interface 30 of thehousing panel 22 includes three (3) second transceivers 86. Each of thefirst transceivers 84 and the second transceivers 86 are configured totransmit a signal wirelessly, any such transceiver currently known orlater developed may be modified for use herein, illustratively includinga device that expands and collimates an optical signal such as expandedbeam transceivers or other light transceivers, such as the lighttransceiver commonly known as a Radiall® F-Light transceiver. In such anaspect, each of the first transceiver 84 and the second transceiver 86are positioned to a corresponding first port 88 and second port 90. Theports 88, 90 are fixed with respect to a corresponding first cam surface38 and second cam surface 40 such that when the first cam surface 38 isregistered to the second cam surface 40, the ports 88, 90 are registeredto each other to facilitate the transmission of the optical signal.

In another aspect of an electrical device 10, the electrical device maybe configured to provide wireless power from the electrical housing 12to the connector 32. In such an aspect, the electrical housing 12includes an inductive power generating device 92 a. The inductive powergenerating device 92 a may include a coil configured to transfer powerover a magnetic field. Likewise, the connector 32 includes an inductivepower receiving device 92 b. The inductive power receiving device 92 bmay include a coil configured to wirelessly receive power from theinductive power generating device 92 a. Any such wireless power systemsare currently known or later developed may be adapted for use herein.Preferably, the wireless power systems is configured for near-fieldwireless transmission. The specifications of such a wireless powersystem may be in compliance with Qi power standards.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, and 4A-4C, in one aspect, the inductivepower generating device 92 a is shown centered on the outer surface 26of the interface 30 of the housing panel 22. Specifically, the inductivepower generating device 92 a is centered within the second cam surfaces40. Likewise, the inductive power receiving device 92 b is centeredwithin the first cam surfaces 38 so as to be registered with theinductive power generating device 92 a when the connector 32 is engagedwith the interface 30. It should be appreciated that the inductive powergenerating device 92 a and the inductive power receiving device 92 bneed not be centered within the corresponding interface 30 and connector32. However, it is preferable that the inductive power generating device92 a and the inductive power receiving device 92 b are disposed so as tobe diametrically opposed to each other when the interface 30 andconnector 32 are engaged in order to facilitate a power transfer.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A camera controller for transmitting and receiving opticaldata signals, the camera controller including components for processingthe received optical signals and converting them to electronic signals,the camera controller comprising: a connector having a first magneticengagement surface, the first engagement surface couplable with a secondengagement surface, where the second engagement surface is an element ofa camera system.
 2. A method to transmit optical data received by acamera to a camera control device across a patient isolation barrier,comprising the steps of: providing a camera connected to a magneticcoupler, the magnetic coupler comprising an optical transmission means;providing a camera control unit, the camera control unit comprising areceiving magnetic coupler and an optical data receiving means; couplingthe magnetic coupler to the receiving magnetic coupler of the cameracontrol unit; and transmitting the optical data from the camera to thecamera control unit, wherein no electronic connections between thecamera control unit and the magnetic coupler are made.